Smarter Policing Through Integrated Tools

Modern law enforcement agencies are under pressure to solve more crimes, close cases faster, and do it all with fewer resources. In this webinar, experts from SoundThinking explored how integrated technologies like ShotSpotter, PlateRanger, and CrimeTracer are helping agencies meet that challenge head-on.

By connecting gunshot detection, license plate recognition, and national investigative databases, agencies can identify suspects faster, uncover critical leads—even across jurisdictional boundaries—and reduce the manual workload for staff. The result: smarter policing, stronger cases, and more time for officers to focus on what matters most—public safety.

Why Integration Matters

Over 75% of crimes in the U.S. involve a vehicle, making license plate recognition a vital component of modern investigations. But critical data from LPR systems, gunshot detection, and RMS reports has lived in silos for too long. Connecting these platforms unlocks real-time awareness and accelerates lead generation, allowing agencies to work smarter—not harder.

Integrated systems reduce delays, close blind spots, and help generate stronger cases that are more likely to lead to prosecution. When critical data from gunshot detection, license plate recognition, and investigative records flows seamlessly across platforms, officers can act on leads faster and more accurately. This improves case outcomes and maximizes limited resources by reducing redundant searches and manual coordination.

Watch the Force Multiplier for Smarter, Faster Investigations webinar on demand

Operational Benefits for Investigators and Officers

The integration between ShotSpotter and PlateRanger equips agencies to immediately identify vehicles near a gunfire incident within a ShotSpotter coverage area and track them in near real time. Historical LPR data also allows officers to connect suspects to other incidents, uncover vehicle travel patterns, and link multiple crimes.

Everything is available in a single interface, eliminating the need to switch between multiple systems. Users can search using partial plates, vehicle descriptions, and timestamps—greatly increasing the odds of developing actionable leads, even from limited witness information.

Nationwide Intelligence with CrimeTracer and RPSN

Another key capability discussed was the integration of PlateRanger with CrimeTracer and the Rekor Partner Sharing Network (RPSN). CrimeTracer surfaces vehicle and suspect links across over a billion records, including RMS, JMS, citations, and nationwide index data. With only a make, model, and color, the webinar demonstrated how officers could track a white Dodge Grand Caravan tied to an armed robbery, identify a license plate, and quickly uncover a suspect with a known criminal history. These tools go beyond LPR hits—they deliver full investigative context and deeper suspect associations.

RPSN further enhances awareness by allowing agencies to view LPR reads across jurisdictions at no additional cost. Agencies participating in RPSN gain real-time visibility into suspects and vehicles crossing into or out of their areas, strengthening collaborative, cross-agency case development. SoundThinking’s David Tawadras noted, “Crime doesn’t respect jurisdictional boundaries—your systems shouldn’t either.”

To explore integration benefits and the options for your agency, contact us.

Flexible, Configurable, and Built for Agencies of All Sizes

Whether you’re a small agency seeking broader intelligence or a large department managing high volumes of investigations, PlateRanger and CrimeTracer offer scalable solutions. With an open API architecture, PlateRanger integrates easily with RMS, CAD, and real-time crime center systems, adapting to your agency’s unique needs.

Agencies can also use existing ONVIF-compliant cameras with PlateRanger Agent software, avoiding costly new hardware. The systems include audit logs, access controls, CJIS compliance, and configurable data retention policies to ensure responsible data use and privacy protection.

Start Small or Go Big—Either Way, the Platform Grows With You

While the benefits of full integration are clear, agencies can start with a single tool like PlateRanger or ShotSpotter and scale up. The webinar stressed that agencies often begin with a few cameras and expand based on measurable success: faster investigations, improved clearance rates, and stronger prosecutorial outcomes. And with SoundThinking as a trusted partner, agencies receive dedicated support for onboarding, integrations, and even guidance in securing grant funding to get started.

The integrated capabilities of PlateRanger, ShotSpotter, and CrimeTracer are transforming how law enforcement agencies detect, investigate, and solve crime. By eliminating data silos, providing real-time situational awareness, and surfacing deep investigative intelligence, these tools empower agencies to do more with less—making policing faster, safer, and more connected than ever before.

Watch the webinar on demand and discover how connected tools can help your agency solve crimes faster and more efficiently.